The marketplace has been an important economic and social component of Korean society for centuries. There are a series of marketplaces that are found around Seoul of varying sizes and age but here are some of the biggest ones worth checking out.

Gwangjang Market
The sprawling Gwangjang Market is not only one of Seoul’s oldest marketplaces but the entire nation. Within roughly 10 acres of floor space you’ll find as many as 5,000 shops and stalls that sell bedding, linen, textiles, and more at wholesale prices. Food is just as famed here as locals flock to the many food stalls for a snack, meal, or drink. Food choices vary but arguably Gwangjang Market is best known for its savory bindaeddeok (or mung bean pancakes) that are freshly fried on a sizzling hot pan before being served. Yukhoe (or beef tartare) is also a specialty of the market and people line up at the popular stores for the fresh and lightly seasoned beef. Other favorites such as ddeokbokki, soondae (or blood sausage), bibimbap, and noodle dishes are found around so make sure you take the time to explore!

Namdaemun Market
While Gwangjang is the older market, Namdaemun Market is perhaps the better known one. Located just by Sungnyemun (the great south gate of Seoul), Namdaemun Market is the largest traditional market in Korea and you can shop for clothing, kitchenware, stationery, camera equipment, accessories, food items, and more at wholesale prices. Namdaemun Market has been a popular place to get high quality glasses done at a lower cost as evidenced by the many glasses store around. Many of the pharmacies here also offer medicine and other goods that are cheaper than elsewhere. If you get hungry while exploring the area, there’s plenty of sit-down restaurants and food stalls. There are two famed alleys within the market however- one is a braised hairtail fish alley in which the fish is cooked in a spicy-sweet sauce in a bubbling pot and served with rice and side dishes and the other is a kalguksu alley that also offers bibimbap, bibim naengmyeon and more for an unbelievably low price.

Noryangjin Fish Market
To explore one of the largest seafood markets in Korea head to the Noryangjin Fish Market. Every day this vibrant market receives fresh shipments of various seafood which it then sells for wholesale and retail purchases. Almost a lesson on marine biology in itself as evidenced by the sheer variety of sea creatures, enjoy shopping and haggling for your fresh catch which are expertly prepared for you by the many shops there. For a small table setting fee, you can also choose to eat your purchase at the many linked restaurants that are housed within the market. Whether raw or cooked, in stews or stir fried, enjoy a fresh seafood feast right in the heart of Seoul.

Garak Market
For agricultural and marine products, the absolutely enormous Garak Market is one of the most popular as evidenced by the many restaurants and other businesses who shop from here. The market occupies a whopping 543,451 square meters with daily transactions, on average, a staggering 7,300 tons. During the day and night, agricultural and seafood products from around Korea come to be distributed. The most action happens in the evenings when merchants and distributors start pouring in. Skip the market on Sundays though when it’s closed.